Fining

The use of Fining as a Wine Clarification Technique

Fining is a process by which a fining agent is added that is insoluble in the wine. The fining substances are denser than the wine and bond with suspended solids. The fining agent and solids then sink to the bottom of the fermentation container. Wineries usually allow an extended period of time for the fining process to take place. When it is complete, the wine is racked and separated from the solids.

There are many different fining substances used for wine production. Egg whites can be combined with a salt solution to fine red wines. Egg whites have a positive charge and will bond to negatively charged tannins that are too harsh. Bentonite is an Aluminum Silicate clay that is dissolved in water and used for fining in White, Red and Sparkling Wine. Bentonite is negatively charged and adheres to positively charged organic compounds.

Gelatin is a positively charged compound that is dissolved in water and used to fine red wine. It attracts negatively charged particles and binds to them for removal. Isinglass has traditionally been used to fine beer, but is now also used for wine. It is positively charged, so it attracts negatively charged particles.

Sparklloid is a positively charged molecule that attracts and binds to negatively charged particles. It has been noted to work when other fining agents gave failed. Super Kleer K. C. is a fining agent has separated itself from the rest in terms of speed and efficiency. It has a positive and negative pole, attracting both particles with both charges.